|
Seattle – On a crisp October afternoon in the Pacific Northwest, the New York Yankees clinched a spot in the Division Series, taking down the Seattle Mariners, 3–1, to complete a two-game sweep in the Wild Card Series.
And it was a classic postseason ballgame. The Yankees did not overwhelm, but rather chipped away, taking their opportunities when they came and letting their pitching do the rest. Vernon Gehrke, the right-hander, was steady and efficient, working seven innings, scattering six hits, and allowing just a lone run. Then it was the bullpen — Schoeppen slamming the door with two strong innings to earn the save.
And the story, as it so often is in October, came down to one big swing. Geoff Shackford, the catcher, the MVP of this Wild Card Series, delivered the exclamation point: a solo home run in the top of the ninth, sailing out over the wall in right. That blast stretched the lead, quieted the Seattle crowd, and carried the Yankees into the next round. Shackford hit over .570 for the series, reached base at a remarkable clip, and provided the steady hand behind the plate that every club needs in October.
Seattle, for its part, had chances. They put runners aboard, they applied some pressure, but timely double plays and a few defensive gems by New York — Ruiz to van der Linde to Digby, a sparkling trio on the infield — shut down any serious rally.
And so, the Yankees move on. Next up, a date with the Chicago White Sox in the Division Series. The White Sox, with their bye, will be rested, waiting. The Yankees? They come in sharp, brimming with confidence, riding that familiar October wave.
From T-Mobile Park in Seattle, on a clear, cool evening — the Yankees 3, the Mariners 1. New York sweeps the series, and October marches forward.
|